Tirzepatide vs Melanotan II
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA-approved as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss), it has shown superior weight loss results compared to semaglutide in clinical trials.
Full details →Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Tirzepatide | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors, providing synergistic effects on insulin secretion, appetite suppression, and metabolic regulation. The dual mechanism may explain its enhanced efficacy. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| Typical Dosage | Start at 2.5mg weekly, titrate every 4 weeks through 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, to maximum 15mg weekly. Full titration takes approximately 20 weeks. | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Rotate injection sites. Slower titration may help reduce GI side effects. | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| Side Effects | Similar to semaglutide: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite. Generally improve with continued use. | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Tirzepatide and Melanotan II are commonly used for: